Origin

This breed was created in Zimbabwe by mixing various native dogs, Mastiffs, Deerhound, many ridge back breeds, the Khoikhoi dog etc. The Khoikhoi dog is a native breed and it has a reverse hair. The Rhodesian ridgeback has got the same characteristics from the Khoikhoi dog. The breed was used for many purposes like guarding, hunting, for retrieving purposes etc. The breed is capable of bearing any weather conditions and in 1959 the American Kennel club recognized the breed.

General Description

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is large breed about 27 inches high. This dog has a large body, totally muscular and fatless. They have a well built physique. They have a big head tapered at the top and a long square muzzle with a black nose at the top. Their muzzle part is black in colour and they have big jaws. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has small pendant shaped ears hanging by their head. Their forehead skin is wrinkled. Their eyes are black and set apart. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a long and muscular neck and their chest is broad touching their shoulders. They have straight boned limbs and stretched muscular legs. Their shoulders are wide and strong and they have a long straight long tail. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s back side is level but a bit slanting towards tail. They have a glossy short coat and are mainly found in red colour.

Character

The Rhodesian Ridgeback are dangerous hunters. But don’t go by this characteristics of them. They are very calm , intelligent and obedient by nature. They are very much loyal and devoted to their family but they are also cunning at the same time. They are good to children but they are better to older kids and they also like to do what they want. They have an independent nature and they not at all mix well with strangers. They always suspect them and this makes them great guard dogs. They are not good to other dogs and they can be aggressive towards them. They should be provided proper training from an early age. The Rhodesian Ridgeback prove to be great companions and they are very protective of their owner and you should not leave it alone for a long period otherwise it can become aggressive.

Temperament

Generally the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great dog for the family. They are obedient, a good companion and intelligent. They are very much protective of their family and they should not be left alone for a lengthy time as they can get bored and destructive in such atmosphere. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is good to grown up kids and they do not like strangers at all. They are also aggressive to other animals. Prove to be great guard dogs and should be trained from an early age. They are very independent in nature and love to do what they want. The Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not well to strangers and they should be socialized properly.

Training

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an independent and stubborn in nature so they should be trained and handled firmly. But at the same time harsh methods are not welcome. Training should be consistent, firm and fair.

Health

Generally this breed is a healthy breed and they are really adaptable to changes in climate. But some of them may suffer from hip dysplasia, cysts and sinus. Their average life span is 10-12 years.